What is a Posture Brace?

A posture brace is a type of posture corrector that is designed to help one keep their torso straight. Products like these are meant to be used in conjunction with proper exercise and lifestyle adjustments to fix the negative impact that poor posture has on the body when standing or sitting. Posture braces are sold by medical supply companies, and they can also be found in clinics and doctor’s offices. You may also order custom posture braces that are fitted to your measurements.

It is very easy for one to develop poor posture, especially in modern times when many people sit in front of a desk reading, writing, or using the computer. Bad posture is a habit that is learned through constant repetition. Even in workplaces that are designed to be ergonomic, people can still sit with poor posture by slumping, learning forward, or twisting the spine. If done for long enough, the damage to the body may be permanent and will lead to pain and discomfort. The purpose of a posture brace is to help keep the spine straight while the wearer trains their muscles to better support the spine even after the brace is removed.

There are many varieties of posture braces available to treat the wide range of posture problems one may develop. For example, a brace may be centered on the shoulders or lower back, or both at the same time. Braces are worn using strap which may buckle or have Velcro attachments. The can be adjusted to have a snug fit. Posture braces should help one keep their spine straight by retracting the shoulders and tucking in the abdomen to help strengthen the abdominals.

Do not rely entirely on a posture brace to fix your posture. They are designed to keep your muscles in the right position so that you can get accustomed to the feeling of what good posture is. You must still strengthen the muscles by exercising them and practicing how to keep your back, shoulders, and neck straight so that you can slowly wean off using the brace. A personal trainer or physiotherapist can assist you by suggesting exercises that are beneficial for your training. Many people also stretch and do yoga or pilates.

Furthermore, it is important that you adjust your environment such that you will not accidentally fall into bad posture again, even while using a posture brace. For instance, at your work environment, make sure that the chair and desk heights are set at the right height so you are neither leaning forward nor slumping to use the desk. Make sure the seat has plenty of padding so that you can support your spine. Reposition any elements that cause you to twist or contort to use. You may even need to replace old furniture or appliances that are causing you to have bad posture.

Before starting to use a posture brace, you should double-check with your doctor or physiotherapist about whether it is right for you. Getting some professional advice is necessary to determine the best course of action because some postural issues cannot be remedied using only a posture brace. For example, spinal deformities are something that would require surgery to fix.